Information Systems Technician 1st Class Ryan Andrews, a 2006 Noble High School graduate and a native of North Berwick, Maine, currently serves as an instructor at Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Virginia Beach Learning Site Groton, Connecticut.

Andrews is at a command responsible for teaching future Navy submarine computer system administrators the skills required to defend the U.S.’s most secured and vital information. In his job as a Navy submarine information systems technician, he is responsible for ensuring that the Navy’s most coveted, classified information remains secure from any malicious attach or security breach. 

As a member of the U.S. Navy’s most capable and advanced platform in the fleet, Andrews and other Sailors and staff know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes. The all serve as key parts of the information warfare community in its mission to gain a deep understanding of the inner workings of adversaries and developing unmatched knowledge of the battlespace during wartime.

Andrews has a tremendous responsibility in creating warfighting options for fleet commanders and advising decision makers at all levels as they serve aboard ships, submarines and aircraft around the world.

“As a member of the world’s finest submarine fighting force, not a day goes by that you don’t experience something unique and rewarding,” shared Andrews. “The bonds you create with your crew when you are isolated for months at a time with no communication is nothing short of a second, true family. It’s an experience, honestly, like no other and the opportunity to train these new Sailors before they embark on their own journeys is nothing short of a pleasure.”

Andrews has military ties with family members who have previously served and are currently serving. He is honored to carry on the family tradition.

“My grandfather drove the marine landing craft in the Pacific Theatre during World War II, and both my father and step-father served in the Air Force. The military tradition and influence has gone back for generations and I am proud to be able to staple my own legacy into my family’s military heritage.”

IWTC Virginia Beach, located in Dam Neck Annex, currently offers 65 courses of instruction in information technology, cryptology, and intelligence with an instructor and support staff of 280 military, civilian, and contractors who train over 6,500 students every year. It is one of four schoolhouses for Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) and oversees learning sites at Jacksonville and Mayport, Florida; Kings Bay, Georgia; and Groton, Connecticut to continue aligning IW community training.

With four schoolhouse commands, two detachments, and training sites throughout the United States and Japan, CIWT is recognized as Naval Education and Training Command’s top learning center for the past three years. Training over 21,000 students every year, CIWT delivers trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services. CIWT also offers more than 200 courses for cryptologic technicians, intelligence specialists, information systems technicians, electronics technicians, and officers in the information warfare community.

Get more information about the Navy from US Navy facebook or twitter.

For more news from Center for Information Warfare Training, visit www.navy.mil/.